You don’t need a huge backyard to enjoy summer. Even the smallest patio or apartment balcony can feel like a personal getaway with the right design approach. At Interiors by Ria, we love helping clients rethink what’s possible in small spaces. From cozy seating to lighting that sets the mood, it’s all about layering smart choices that make a big impact.
Whether you’ve got a cozy patio, apartment balcony, or studio nook, here’s how to make every inch count this summer:
Small spaces call for smart choices, maximize your space by choosing pieces that serve more than one purpose. Think a storage bench that holds extra cushions or a fold-down bistro table perfect for morning coffee and evening wine.
Quick Tip: Look for compact, clean-lined pieces that don't overwhelm your area.
Don't skip out on the textures just because you're outside. Add in comfort and color to your patio or balcony with outdoor rugs, cushions, and throw pillows that will make the space feel just as warm and inviting as your interior.
Quick Tip: Choose weather-resistant and/or washable fabrics to keep things looking great all summer.
Floor space is limited, so build up! Install vertical wall planters, shelves, or hanging baskets to create visual interest without taking up floor space and elevate your space without overwhelming it.
Quick Tip: Use tall and narrow shelving to layer your plants and accessories to add visual height.
Color plays a significant role in small spaces. Light and airy tones such as whites, light grays, soft greens and blues, reflect light and helps the area feel more open. Add contrast with pops of color through your cushions or plants for contrast while keeping your palette cohesive.
Quick Tip: Use neutrals as your base and bring in one or two accent colors in your pillows, planters, or dinnerware for a more polished and intentional look.
Lighting can make or break your space after dark. Consider adding string lights, battery-powered sconces, or lanterns to enhance your space and create a cozy and finished feel that carries into the night.
Quick Tip: Mix and layer ambient and accent lighting to add depth and warmth to your space.
Let’s turn your small patio or tiny balcony into a summer-ready retreat!
👉 Book a complimentary discovery call to get started.
Ria's interior design expertise truly made the process an absolute pleasure. Her keen attention to detail is evident in every aspect of her work, ensuring that every element aligns perfectly with the overall vision. What impressed me the most was her unwavering commitment to communication and follow-up. No question went unanswered, and she was always readily available to address any concerns or queries I had along the way.
One of Ria's greatest strengths is her ability to listen attentively to her clients. She took the time to understand my preferences and needs, offering insightful suggestions that elevated the design to new heights. Her recommendations weren't just about aesthetics; they were tailored to optimize functionality and enhance the overall ambiance of the space.
Working with Ria was a collaborative and enriching experience. Her passion for design shines through in every decision she makes, and her dedication to client satisfaction is unparalleled. I couldn't be happier with the results, and I wholeheartedly recommend Ria to anyone seeking a truly transformative interior design journey.
Ria did a wonderful job on designing my space. She really took the time to discuss with me my ideas to get a sense of my needs and style. Her communication throughout the process has been phenomenal so I’ve always known when to expect things from her. She’s been responsive to my feedback and to exploring options that fit my design preference. I look forward to working with Ria on more design projects!
I really enjoyed working with Ria, she was great at taking direction and finding the look you had in mind, but any time you weren't quite sure what to do with a space she was quick to offer guidance. I think she went above and beyond to make the whole process enjoyable and as easy as possible.
I was looking for something more polished for my main bedroom. Ria created a beautiful, custom design plan for me based on my preferences and how we use the room. Would highly recommend.
I needed a rental space decorated after my divorce and I was on a budget. Ria came in and understood what I wanted to accomplish and listened to my feedback throughout the process. Although we went slightly over budget, in the end my home now feels like "me" and is soooooo comfortable and cozy when I need to relax and decompress in the evenings after work.
I debated only giving 4 stars instead of 5 due to being slightly over budget (I wish there was a 4.99 rating), but this was a near-ideal outcome in terms of how much I enjoy the spaces she decorated - so 5 stars it is!!!
Thanks Ria for an incredible job!
ria’s positive qualities in this experience
1. Outcome great. That is bottom line
2. Professional
3. Funny pleasant
4. Very organized
5. On top of things
6. Very reachable
I truly enjoyed working with Ria as my designer. Our house looks beautiful. I would highly recommend her as an interior designer for your home.
Ria did a great job with my project. She was patient and took the time to get to know everything I was looking for. Throughout the whole process she was in constant communication with me about how work was going, what issues came up, and how she was helping to take care of them. She was very frank about prices and timelines, but also worked really hard to help me find the right style and stay within budget. At first I wasn't sure I wanted to spend money on a designer, but I'll definitely be reaching out to her for future projects.
Ria was awesome to work with!!!! She has great taste for design and worked with the ideas i had. She is also very honest and professional. I would definitely recommend her if you are needing a designer!!
